the hardest part about throwing pottery, hands down, is centering the clay on the wheel. if you cannot find your center, the piece will inevitably be floppy, uneven, and possibly crack or burst in the kiln. my pottery teacher, teresa, taught me to empty my head and allow all focus and energy to be on the clay... i eventually learned to let it tell me what it wanted it be. everyone (myself included) came into the studio with the naive fantasty of making big bread bowls or enormous salad bowls. and after years and years of muscle and sweat and lopsided dishes, i made a few. when i feel stress coming on, i try to think about the clay and the wheel and all i have learned from it... it's all good.
now here's the surprising thing: it was easier to center the clay when i was pregnant. belly and all. so, when i was listing in my shop just now, i took a closer look at the foot where i signed/dated each piece. and there they were.
TWO plumes of smoke coming out the chimney - i made this piece when the duo was on board! i looked back in my sketchbook and discovered it was one of the last ones i made before going on busy-mama-hiatus. i've kept many treasured pieces for us here at home, and certainly given oodles away to family and friends. and the fact that some of you out there go ahead and buy my work is such an honor. i'm sure this one will find a good home soon as well.
thanks, everyone, for your support and positive feedback! xoxo
[originally posted on blogger.]
